3 Days in Lanzarote: Suggested Itineraries

With its endless beaches, glitzy resorts and unworldly scenery, Lanzarote has long been the territory of European holidaymakers and it’s easy to see why so many visitors return year after year. With limited time to explore, you’ll have to cherry-pick the highlights to make the most of your trip, so here are a few ideas for how to spend three days in Lanzarote.

Day 1: Tour the Island

Lanzarote’s small size means you can take in the top attractions in one day, so hire a car or book on a guided full-day tour to make the most of your time. Start with a scenic drive through the Timanfaya National Park, stopping off to admire the imposing peaks of the Fire Mountains (Montañas del Fuego), then head to nearby El Golfo, where the emerald green crater lake is one of the island’s most iconic views. The vineyards of La Geria are also worth a visit, where you can enjoy wine tasting, then head for the unique lava cave resort of Jameos Del Agua, the masterwork of local artist César Manrique.

Day 2: Hit the Beach

You can’t holiday in the Canary Islands without topping up your tan, so set aside a whole day to discover Lanzarote’s famous coastline. The southern beaches of Papagayo and Playa Blanca offer an idyllic setting perfect for swimming and sunbathing, but if you want a little more action, head north to Famara beach, where you can take a surfing lesson, try your hand at kiteboarding or brave a tandem hand-gliding flight off the coastal cliffs.

Day 3: Cruise Around the Islands

Explore further afield with a day trip to the neighboring island of Fuerteventura, renowned for its tranquil beaches, traditional villages and towering sand dunes, and just a 30-minute boat ride from the southern resort of Playa Blanca. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic boat cruise to the small, car-free island of La Graciosa off Lanzarote’s north coast, where you can hire a bike, go snorkeling or scuba diving along the coast, or get a taste of local life in the sole town of Caleta del Sebo.